Mere words are woefully inadequate to describe the stirrings of one's soul at the viewing of God's creation in the underwater realm.
For the past two weeks, Cliff, Gary, Garrick, Chris and myself have been taking the open water diver certification course under the direction and tutelage of Sherry Tholen. I speak for the entire class when I say that we could not have asked for a more enthusiastic, patient and willing teacher. A word needs to be said for her "helper", divemaster candidate, John - mischief. Actually, John was a joy to have around. While one student was performing a skill the other four just sat around on the bottom of the pool being entertained by John. John did have opportunity to teach us a thing or two though but we are not sure we should try those skills in mixed company.
This past weekend the class traveled to Fantasy Lake in Rolesville, NC to complete our certification requirements. We made two dives on Saturday and two dives on Sunday. To be exposed to a totally new environment is at the same time a source of anxiousness and awestruck wonder. Sherry is a natural at teaching it seems, since the fish even joined in on her skills demonstrations. John is a natural entertainer. I'll never forget laughing at 30 feet and hoping I can control myself.
Thank you seems so inadequate. How does one express their gratitude to another for opening up a whole new world and opportunities? Sherry and John many thanks for being patient, guiding, and willing to share your love for diving. Personally, I look forward to continuing my diving education (with Sherry and you too, John). I have enjoyed every minute and I cherish my new relationships. I know that in the future we will look back over these past two weeks with fondness and a smile on our faces.
Again, many thank you's to Sherry and John. And I look forward to another class.
Kitty Daniels
There are certain moments in our lives that we remember with vivid clarity and that when we emerge from them our lives have been forever changed. One such moment happened to me on September 10, 2000 in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina.
The day began at 5:30am. Still dark and cool, Cliff and I loaded the car with our diving gear and tanks and headed off to get a light breakfast and a super tankard of coffee. We arrived at Harbour Gate Marina met our Captain, Tuck Rion and greeted our divemaster Laurie Goudes (formally of Florence). As the other divers arrived the sun burst forth promising a perfect day for diving. As we set sail, there were smiles, laughter and storytelling. Our two-hour ride to our dive site was an ordeal for some but once the divemaster set anchor and the lines, we were all anxious to be in the water. I am amazed that my only thought was to see what was below. I didn't think about being miles out in the ocean, I didn't second guess my ability and I didn't even think about the barracuda that had my name written on his teeth - I took a giant stride and hit the water. At 60 feet below our group met up did one more skill and then set off to tour our dive site. And what a tour it was. A garden of coral and vegetation grew on the wreck, shells and creatures moved with the current on the ocean floor and we swam looking at fish looking at us.
On our two-hour surface interval many slept, some ate and some sunned. Many, many thanks to Captain Tuck who watched after my seasick child while I slept a drug induced sleep on his engine cover. Unfortunately, Cliff was unable to make the second dive but he put forth a gallant effort and tried very hard to lift his body (much less his head).
Our second dive was purely sightseeing on the wreck. A word of thanks to Laurie, who jumped in, wet suit half on and half off, when my mask tried to leave my face. Laurie - you are magnificent. Mask firmly in place I descended. The moment I reached the ocean floor I was surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of beautiful, iridescent fish. Even now, I cannot wrap words around my feelings. Utter amazement at God's creation, amazement that I was witnessing something so profound, so breathtakingly beautiful. To be caught in the midst of shimmering light caused by the perfect choreography of fish still causes by heart to skip and my soul to stir. Never, ever will I forget being a part of that dance, a part of that moment - a gift, a smile from God Himself to me. I wanted to stay. I wanted to continue the dance but my pressure gauge said no. Truly, heaven on earth - perhaps a glimpse into our eternity.
Back on the boat after all was packed away; I was rocked to sleep yet again. Our dive seemed to be over before it started but now I realize I couldn't process it all - it was too amazing - yes, downright fun. A full day to tire the physical but a day to ignite the soul and the senses.
Thank you again Sherry - you too are a gift to me and to Cliff. Don't ever give up teaching - it is your blessing to give this love of diving to others. Captain Tuck, my hat off to you sir. I could not have ordered a more professional, knowledgeable and just down right happening guy. Thank you, I had not one worry - even for my own child. We will dive with you again, and again. Laurie, you amaze me. You are incredible and a blast to be with. One day, we will share our stories and I look forward to having a "cigarette" encounter akin to the one you had. And thank you God for your incredible creation. I do so look forward to seeing so much more….
Kitty
Our adventure began on Thursday evening. The temperature in Florence, SC was nippy and there was a bite of winter in the air but being February, this was to be expected. Kathy and I were south bound in her Jeep loaded with dive equipment, plenty of water, snacks and enough excitement for three fun filled days of diving.
The six-hour trip was fairly uneventful until we missed our turn in Waldo, FL and found ourselves in the middle of the wild unknown. Being female, we did turn around and ask for help before we ended up in the Keys. I cannot tell you the number of deer we saw on the side of the roadway but suffice it to say that the king of the deer live outside of Waldo, FL. The buck we saw was absolutely magnificent. For those anticipating a future hunt, the location of this plethora of deer is most accessible.
Friday morning came with overcast skies and temps lower than we anticipated. Nonetheless, after coffee (notice this is a recurring theme in my writings) and a bite of breakfast we headed to Devils Den. A most unassuming dive locale, Devils Den is actually a sinkhole and thus named for the steam rising out of the "pit". Kathy was making this journey to fulfill her advanced open water requirements and her first dive was not until the afternoon. Like two children with new toys at Christmas, Kathy and decided to make a dive together to check out (and play with) our new equipment. Three more dives were made that day - Kathy proving her worth and me getting to help with the training. I still love the hoola hoop obstacle course for peak performance buoyancy but Jill and I noticed that other divers not associated with our class enjoyed it, too. Finally, time came for our night dive. Like neon beacons, all divers entered the water. As the class did a reciprocal heading, I hung out with the catfish and wanted to touch them. The light reflecting off of the skin of the fish revealed blue velvet like quality that pleaded to be stroked. Our dive over, we all headed for dinner and a dream filled sleep.
Saturday morning all the divers were energized and ready for the drift dive at Rainbow River. Rainbow River is not a river at all but the largest spring in North America. Our class boarded Mr. Bob's craft and headed half a mile up stream. We took a giant stride into the water and headed for the shore. Sherry, I was on the lookout for those water moccasin and David, I would have been on your head had I seen one. The class did their square navigation and I did not loose Kathy in the midst of her test. Once everyone proved their merit, we headed back to the landing via the current. The topography was usual and interesting. We saw the floor bubble in places and saw an entrance to a cave. The fish looked intimidating but after the barracuda I saw in the ocean, I'm somewhat emboldened. Our evening was spent at Harry's filling our stomachs and getting to know each other. Another night of sleep and dreams of diving were enjoyed by all.
Finally, Sunday and the last day of diving arrived. The class headed to 40 Fathom Grotto to make a deep dive and complete their training. The day brought a brilliant dawn and the promise of warm temperatures. Many thanks to Kathy who helped me through the bug we both had and no Mr. Blalock, I don't remember dancing on the table and taking shots of Tequila the night before. Congratulations to Scott Paris and Sherry Clarke's advanced open water class for their graduation. I was so impressed with Alex Bahan who climbed the stairs, lugged equipment and made all her dives so she could obtain her junior advanced certification. To Sherry - you are my hero and roll model. One day, I hope to be half the instructor you are - you are most loved and admired by all your students. To Scott - you run a tight ship but once your students graduate they know their stuff (oh, that cheesecake recipe is on the way). To Beverly, Gregg, Rhonda, David, Richard, Audrey, Alex and Wade - I look forward to diving with you again. To my friend and dive buddy, Kathy, this is for you and I hope I've captured the fun, the excitement and the thrill we've had diving this weekend. To many, many more dives and to making many more friends. Most of all, thank you to the Master Creator - this is an awesome ride.
Kitty
